Part 1, Considering Transgender Surgery? Here’s What to do Next.
Posted August 16, 2016 in Transgender
Have you ever felt that you were born as the wrong gender, or that your biological sex doesn’t represent who you truly are? If so, you are not alone. A survey of 10,000 people undertaken in 2012 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that 1% of the population surveyed expressed gender dysmorphia, to some extent. Gender dysmorphia is the mismatch between sex and gender identity, and it is a recognized medical condition. Some people with gender dysphoria have a strong and persistent desire to live according to their gender identity, rather than their biological sex. People who feel this way, who are sometimes called transsexual or trans, may choose to undergo treatments to make their physical appearance more consistent with their gender identity.
Have you considered changing your appearance to better align with your gender identity? If so, here are a few important options for you to consider. Transitioning your appearance to align with your gender identity is a journey that may take years to complete and will require you to make some life-changing decisions. Having a strong support system and the help of highly qualified medical professionals whom you trust will help ease your transition.
Have You Tried Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Before you consider going under the knife for transgender surgery, talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy can help trans people develop the secondary sex characteristics of the gender that they identify as. For example, Dr. Talbott recommends that trans females should try hormone replacement therapy before opting for a breast augmentation. Sometimes hormone replacement therapy can sufficiently enhance the size and shape of the breasts for a feminine look! On the other hand, patients who are not satisfied by the results of hormone replacement therapy may seek transgender surgery to further enhance their appearance.
Work with a Therapist You Trust
No matter how strong and confident you are, transitioning from one gender to another is a major change that can have significant psychological ramifications. Feeling discriminated against by people who do not approve of your transition may also become a source of stress and hurt feelings. The sad fact of the matter is that people who undergo sex reassignment surgery are at a considerably higher risk for mortality, suicidal behavior, and psychiatric morbidity than the general population. That’s one of the reasons why Dr. Talbott recommends that sex reassignment patients meet regularly with a therapist throughout their transition.
If you don’t already have a psychologist or psychiatrist, find someone that you trust and can talk to naturally. A good psychologist can become an important part of your support system, and help you navigate the joys and challenges of transitioning.
Find a Plastic Surgeon You Trust
If you’re considering surgery as part of your gender transition, it’s important to find a plastic surgeon that you trust. The plastic surgeon that you choose should also have experience in transgender surgery. You may have to meet with several plastic surgeons before finding one that you feel comfortable with. Schedule consultations with several plastic surgeons and explain your goals and transition journey to them to see if they’d be a good fit for you. Ask them what kind of transgender surgeries they’ve performed in the past, and if they’d like to play a role in your transition.
Dr. LaDawn Talbott is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Reno, Nevada who enjoys working with transgender patients during their transition journeys. Dr. Talbott’s experience, coupled with her support of the trans community make her a popular provider for transgender surgery. Some people’s transitions entail multiple surgical procedures, so it’s important to work with a plastic surgeon like Dr. Talbott who understands to your goals and does everything in their power to make your vision a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Talbott.
